4 Restaurants to Visit During Oktoberfest in Chicago

Autumn is upon us, and with the changing seasons comes the onset of one of September and October’s most beloved festivities: Oktoberfest. This beer-centric celebration, which runs through early next month, features a variety of European-inspired specials at bars and restaurants throughout Chicago.

 

The Gage
The Gage

The Gage: If their St. Patrick’s Day specials are any indication, The Gage is one of the best spots for consistently inventive and delicious fare for holidays and celebrations. Oktoberfest is certainly no different, and the downtown restaurant is featuring a special menu that runs daily for the occasion from September 19 through October 2. Courtesy of executive chef Chris Gawronski and executive pastry chef Kym DeLost, the special Oktoberfest menu contains items like smoked chicken salad, veal schnitzel, beer-braised pork shank, and German chocolate cake. Additionally, The Gage has stacked up a variety of drink specials, both beer and wine. 

Dusek’s Board & Beer: Oktoberfest adapts a Chicago accent at Dusek’s Board & Beer’s 2nd annual “Blocktoberfest.” Taking place September 25, Blocktoberfest is an open-to-the-public, family-friendly block party situated in front of Thalia Hall from noon until 10:00 pm. Attendees can look forward to sausages and other German-inspired dishes, German beers, Space Juice for Jared Punch from Punch House, bocce ball, face painting, and DJs. Food on deck for the event includes rye pretzel rolls with Hook’s 1-year sharp cheddar and the Pilsen Black Forest parfait with charred cinnamon panna cotta, bittersweet chocolate cake and mezcal-soaked cherries. 

Roots Handmade Pizza: With Oktoberfest underway, now is an apt time to order one of the signature pizzas at Roots. “The German, Eh?” features a curiously addictive combo of Canadian bacon, sauerkraut, pizza sauce, and Quad Cities mozzarella blend. It’s a fixture on the menu, so you can even extend your own little Oktoberfest celebration whenever you crave. 

Hannah’s Bretzel: As we mentioned last week, Hannah’s Bretzel is getting in on the Oktoberfest action with a special themed sandwich available now through October 14 at all locations. Inspired by traditional German flavors, the aptly dubbed Oktüberfest sandwich contains German-style bratwurst in organic bretzel baguette with honey whole-grain mustard, caramelized onions and housemade sauerkraut. 

- Matt Kirouac

 

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